The three musketeers of Nigeria’s power sector

Every electric power system is an assemblage of generation, transmission, distribution, communication and associated facilities which are physically linked and operated as a single unit under one control.

 Typically, the transmission and distribution lines together with the allied facilities are used to transmit electricity from its point of origin (the power generating plant) to the final consumer.

 Due to its physical characteristics, electricity flows uniformly along all available paths that offer the least resistance. As such, the flow of electricity must be closely monitored to ensure that sufficient generating capacity is available and on-call to satisfy the entire demand (load) for electricity placed on the power system.

In addition, for system standardization and reliability purposes, the flow is maintained at a specific frequency (in Nigeria, it is set at 50Hz). All equipment and apparatus connected directly or indirectly to the Grid must operate at the specified frequency mode (cycles per second).

The flow of electricity within the system is maintained and monitored by dispatch centres having control and security responsibilities. Typically, in evolving electricity markets, the dispatch centre prioritizes and inventorizes all generating capacity available to it, tracking transactions involving buying and selling of either electric power or capacity, monitoring current load and anticipated future load on the system.

In Nigeria, there have been challenges with the Nigerian electricity grid because for a long time, the state-owned electric monopoly; the National Electric Power Authority (NEPA), was characterized by poor operational performance which could be gleaned from various facts including the fact that only 426 out of the 774 local government councils in Nigeria were connected to the national grid.

The situation was such that, of the 426 local government councils (the “Councils”) connected to the national grid, only the headquarters of the Councils were connected and not the entirety of the residents in these local government areas.

Further, the situation was such that the last transmission line was built in 1987. In fact, a survey conducted in 2012 by TNS Research and Marketing Services, a leading global research organization, revealed that 51% of Nigerians do not have access to (grid) electric power supply, and the remaining 49% of Nigerians with access to electric power supply, admitted its epileptic and unreliable nature.

With the pathetic state of the electric power sector, the cost of doing business in Nigeria has been much higher than that of her neighbouring States, such that certain key businesses have relocated outside Nigeria. This has led to a drop in the volume of businesses that would ordinarily have been attracted into the country, because of the lack of quality and dependable grid power supply to the economy for industrial, commercial and socio-domestic activities.   

With the privatization of the power sector, a management contractor, Manitoba Hydro International (“MHI”), was selected to improve electricity transmission in Nigeria because without a strong grid system, an all-round success cannot be achieved in the sector. It is now expected that MHI would work towards the overall improvement of the Nigerian transmission infrastructure as much as possible.

Further, there is need to work towards having a SuperGrid which makes it possible to trade high volumes of electricity across great distances. A SuperGrid will normally connect electric power plants and major substations, while ensuring that electricity, of various forms and frequencies, generated in one place can be utilised by persons elsewhere. For a successful functioning of the SuperGrid in Nigeria, a major technology upgrade is required to guarantee its realistic operation and an assured benefit to its beneficiaries.

The SuperGrid concept has been in existence for a while but mostly known in more developed electricity markets. Recently, the Nigerian Government began to debate its introduction.  It is reasonably expected in Nigeria, that the development of the SuperGrid will positively influence investment decisions, change perception of market opportunities and also ensure coordination between governments, regulators and licensees.

The advantages of a SuperGrid, amongst others, are that it will influence investment decisions at a corporate level and encourage private participation in the power sector. The SuperGrid network will reduce wastage, as surplus energy not used but produced can be transmitted or transported to other areas where they can be utilised by other persons. Without a SuperGrid, it will not be possible to take advantage of the large amounts of energy that may be obtained from alternative sources of renewable energy such as wave farms, tidal lagoons and concentrated solar power. These sources of renewable energy, although they can be quite remote, can also be produced large scale and this will assist in a mass transmission of electrical power to more people who need to utilize such power.

Another issue deserving attention as far as electric power transmission is concerned, in Nigeria is the remote detection of problems or faults on the grid through the smart grid. The smart grid is a type of electrical grid that utilizes information and communication technology to collect and act on data, in a computerized fashion. This helps to improve the efficiency, reliability, economics and sustainability of the generation, transmission and distribution of electric power.

The writer understands that the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) is doing a lot to obtain funds to expand the grid and to make the grid more robust than it currently is. In this respect, therefore, the FGN is doing a lot to have a better national grid.

Efficient Regulation

Regulation is broadly defined to include the enactment and/or implementation of treaties, laws, decrees and other legal instruments. The chief regulator of the power sector in Nigeria- Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has performed quite well and needs to sustain the good work. There is need for a deliberate effort at providing responsive regulation as we move into the uncharted path of private sector participation in the whole value chain of electric power provision. Although, it is the writer’s view, that NERC is blazing the trail in efficiently regulating the electric power sector in Nigeria, but must not fall into the trap of over-regulating the sector by not duplicating the role of varying regulations or introducing ‘unworkable’ regulations.

There are also issues around the establishment of additional regulators; the FGN does need to think this through very well before further making it more difficult to do business in Nigeria, by having too many regulators performing the same or similar roles.

NERC also has to continuously ensure that thorough analyses are done and the pros and cons of every regulation, guideline or such other similar instruments are considered prior to issuing same. Additionally, sufficient public participation is recommended prior to issuing regulations in the power sector; particularly regulations that may be sensitive or likely to seem controversial. Although, NERC has been quite interactive with stakeholders; it does still needs to do much more in that regard.

Conclusion

If the modest success achieved so far in the NESI is to be sustainable, the tripod of gas availability, grid enhancement and efficient regulation should be given the priority they deserve. Government is currently doing a lot to improve gas availability through the consideration now given to the settlement of legacy indebtedness to gas producers, an improved gas price and government’s approach to developing a SuperGrid and smart grid.

Self Cooling Solar Cells boost power and last longer

·       Scientists, including one of Indian-origin, may have overcome one of the major hurdles in developing high-efficiency, long-lasting solar cells – keeping them cool, even in the blistering heat of the noonday Sun.

·       By adding a specially patterned layer of silica glass to the surface of ordinary solar cells, researchers led by Shanhui Fan, an electrical engineering professor at Stanford University has found a way to let solar cells cool themselves by shepherding away unwanted thermal radiation. 

·       Solar cells are among the most promising and widely used renewable energy technologies on the market today. Though readily available and easily manufactured, even the best designs convert only a fraction of the energy they receive from the Sun into usable electricity. 

·       Part of this loss is the unavoidable consequence of converting sunlight into electricity. A surprisingly vexing amount, however, is due to solar cells overheating. 

·       Under normal operating conditions, solar cells can easily reach temperatures of 55 degrees Celsius or more.

·       By embedding tiny pyramid- and cone-shaped structures on an incredibly thin layer of silica glass, the researchers found a way of redirecting unwanted heat – in the form of infrared radiation – from the surface of solar cells, through the atmosphere, and back into space. 

·       “Our new approach can lower the operating temperature of solar cells passively, improving energy conversion efficiency significantly and increasing the life expectancy of solar cells,” said Linxiao Zhu, a physicist at Stanford and lead author on the research paper. 

·       “Our method of carefully altering the layers that cover and enclose the solar cell can improve the efficiency of any underlying solar cell. This makes the design particularly relevant and important,” said Aaswath Raman, a postdoctoral scholar at Stanford and co-author on the paper. 

Government aims to add 10,000 MW per year to lift wind energy sector

Wind energy, which had been overshadowed by solar projects in recent years, got a big boost as the government has restored key tax incentives for this sector.

NEW DELHI: The government plans to rapidly accelerate wind energy generation, adding an ambitious 10,000 MW every year, or five times the total new capacity that came up in the last fiscal, as the Modi governmenttakes steps to reduce India's dependence on costly energy imports.

Wind energy, which had been overshadowed by solar projects in recent years, got a big boost as the government has restored keytax incentives that had helped India emerge as one of the top countries in the world in generating electricity from wind. The government feels that tax incentives coupled with conducive environment will rapidly accelerate wind energy.

"Originally, the country planned to install 18,500 MW during the 12th Plan period. However, new government is keen to go faster in wind power capacity addition, to reduce its dependence on imported fuels and increase the share of environment friendly energy resources.







At a recent meeting with turbine makers and other stakeholders New and Renewable Energy Minister Piyush Goyal suggested to add 10,000 MW of wind power installations annually," said a government official requesting anonymity. He added ministry and wind turbine makers will jointly study the status of grid availability in six states with maximum wind velocity.

According to Indian Wind Turbine Manufacturers Association (IWTMA) proposed target is achievable as the country has capacity to manufacture close to 9,500 MW of wind turbines and it can be expanded in short period.

"Wind turbine makers are capable to meet proposed higher targets of the government. Higher volumes will bring down average cost of installations and even tariff to make wind power more attractive. By resolving issues related to wind power evacuation and renewable power purchase obligations of the state utilities, India can attract domestic investments in the sector that is getting increasing attention of global investments," said IWTMA chairman Madhusudan Khemka, who is MD of Chennai-based Regen Powertech.

Like other power gear makers, Indian wind turbine makers too are facing competition from Chinese counterparts that also offer cheaper finance to the investors in wind energy. Khemka said Indian wind turbine makers with access to best technologies and services are globally competitive but they are unable to offer cheaper finance like Chinese firms.

With installed capacity of over 21,000 Mw, India is fifth-largest wind power producer in the world after China, US, Germany and Spain. According to Centre for Wind Energy Technology India has potential to install over one lakh mw of wind turbines.

Ministry of new and renewable energy and Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency are jointly planning to host an international meet in February next year to give impetus to the wind power sector. The ministry is also considering organising similar events to boost solar power.

Delhi Metro station gets solar power plant in a first for country

In a first-of-its-kind initiative in the country, Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) on Monday launched the operation of a solar power plant at its Dwarka Sector-21 Metro station.

The plant was inaugurated by Urban Development Minister Venkaiah Naidu at the Metro Bhawan, New Delhi in the presence of, among others, Union Minister of State for Power, Coal and Renewable Energy, Piyush Goyal, and DMRC Managing Director Mangu Singh.

Naidu switched on the new, solar-power generated lights on platform No.1 of Dwarka Sector 21 Metro station through remote control from Metro Bhawan on Barakhamba Road.

The power generated by the 500-kWp 'Roof-Top Solar Power Plant' will be used to meet the requirements at the station. The roof-top plant is the largest of its kind in Delhi-NCR under the Renewable Energy Service (RESCO) model and is a result of cooperation between DMRC and Deutsche Gesellschaft fur Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) through the project 'ComSolar', which supports commercialisation of solar energy in India.

"I feel very happy and proud that DMRC has done it in record time. This initiative to meet DMRC's power requirements is an all-out effort to promote renewable energy. The need of the hour is to promote renewable energy as 80 per cent of our fossil fuel is used to meet our power needs and it is not a very happy situation," Naidu said. "I am happy that DMRC has taken my suggestion of improving the services and reducing the tariff," he added.

As per the model for the roof-top plant, the developer invests, owns and operates the plant while DMRC purchases the electricity generated through a Power Purchase Agreement.

The project was commissioned by the Federal Ministry for Environment, Nature Conservation, Building and Nuclear Safety of the government of Germany. It aims to support the New and Renewable Energy Ministry in achieving its targets under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission.

DMRC will install three more roof-top solar power plants at facilities under it in continuation of its policy to encourage eco-friendly practices and technologies.

The other solar plants are to be set up at Anand Vihar ISBT Metro station, Pragati Maidan Metro station and the DMRC residential complex at Pushp Vihar with a joint power generation capacity of 25-kWp.

Naidu also lauded DMRC's efforts in reducing operational losses of the Airport Express Line and urged his colleagues to use the Metro for travelling in the city. He also stressed on the need to increase power generation in the country.

Ahmedabad to have smart grid by October

Come October and Ahmedabad will have probably India’s first smart grid system in place where consumers will be able to pick a suitable plan for electricity consumption like they do for cellphones.

Uttar Gujarat Vij Company Pvt Ltd (UGVCL) is set to roll out a modernized electric grid or the smart grid system in Naroda by October this year.

 Installation of new electric meters embedded with SIM cards has begun in Naroda by five companies including Reliance, Wipro, Crompton, L&T and Tapesh Energy.

As many as 1,500 meters will be installed by July 15. Following the installation, a data communication network will be set up to monitor consumer behaviour.

The pilot project will study consumer behaviour of electricity usage and propose a tariff structure based on usage and load on the power utility.

 Eventually, it will be rolled out across the state to dis-incentivize power consumption during peak hours.

The smart grid will work on the ‘time of day’ concept, based on which tariffs will be set. For example, if the demand is at peak during 7pm to 11pm, the tariffs will be higher for that period.

“These five companies had shown interest in the tender floated by UGVCL. These companies will first install the new meters and then by setting up their servers will develop the data network.

 The companies will be required to submit consistency report based on the consumer behaviour,” said Nityanand Srivastava, managing director, UGVCL.

In the last stage, based on the financial bids, one of the companies will be selected which will roll out the smart grid.

UGVCL will have access to the data of the company and hence will use it to fix the tariffs based on time. “The project was to roll out in April but got delayed due to elections and we expect to start it by October,” said Srivastava.

In a 50-50 partnership, UGVCL, along with the Central government, will invest Rs 48 crore in the project to set up infrastructure, meters, servers and analytic systems for smart grid.

 The smart grid project is being implemented in 14 cities in 14 states. The project will integrate all the electricity generated through various sources, including solar and wind, into one server system.

Like the internet, the smart grid consists of controls, computers, automation, and new technologies and equipment working in unison. These technologies work with the grid to respond digitally to the consumer’s dynamic electricity demand.

Monitor and control your consumption: With the rolling out of smart grid, consumers and industries will have control on the consumption of power. It will also help in reducing power thefts as well as in energy conservation.

Like in case of mobiles, the consumers can manage their power usage in form of pre-paid and postpaid connections. Similarly, industries will be able to keep a tab on their electricity consumption and based on that adjust their machinery usage.

“Though consumers are excited but are also a bit apprehensive with the installation of new meters. They need not be afraid of higher energy bills because for the first time bill will be under their control,” said Srivastava.

Srivastava further added that in case of industries, they will get hour-based data of consumption on which they can reduce or stimulate their requirements of power. “This will also help the industries improve their performance and participate in demand side management along with the power companies,” added Srivastava.

Experts believe that tariff system out of smart grid project will sensitize people about energy conservation and also help them regularize power consumption.

UGVCL plans to install new meters with SIM cards in 20,000 residential and industrial units in Naroda which will analyze the consumer behaviour.

 The data will be collected every 15 or 30 minutes to study the consumption pattern.

Similarly to study the pattern in rural areas, 18,000 points located at transformers in Deesa will be added to smart grid for the pilot project.